SET FOR MALLORY MX1
Teka Suzuki World MX1's Ken De Dycker will travel to Mallory Park and the British Grand Prix for the seventh round of 15 in the FIM MX1 World Championship aiming to do his best in spite of damaged shoulder ligaments and a splinter fracture of his right hand; injuries picked up in his first moto crash in Spain two weeks ago.
The Belgian was unable to take part in any of the international or domestic meetings that took place last weekend in order to allow the swelling to decrease and start immediate rehab. The 24 year old had a lightweight cast removed from his hand on Monday and was given the OK to begin running and some training earlier this week.
"It was a bit of a surprise to see the extent of the injuries after Spain, especially in the shoulder because I did not have that much pain," he said. "The doctors said normally my shoulder would need an operation and a six-to-eight-week recovery period but we have decided to keep racing and take the time between the meetings to let it heal. It is a shame because I feel like I have been carrying some sort of injury problem all season.
"I do not think this will stop me from being able to go full gas at Mallory," he added. "I came through the second moto in Spain pretty well and I guess the weekend will be about withstanding some pain from those big jumps and hard landings."
2009 represents the second year of the British Grand Prix being held at the Mallory Park road racing circuit. After the inaugural event in 2008 the organisers have listened to feedback and have made alterations to what was a very jumpy and technical circuit - that still boasted 'old school' elements such as off-camber turns - as well as improving the spectator viewing areas. The British GP is routinely one of the most atmospheric and best-attended meetings of the season. De Dycker won arguably the finest moto of the 2008 campaign when he flew back from almost last place to pass team-mate Ramon on the last lap to win the opening race. "I really like the track there but I know it will probably be a bit different, mainly also because there was a lot of rain before the GP last year. We will see what we can do and hope for the best."
In other news Steve Ramon underwent another scan last week that confirmed further improvement in the fracture of his C7 vertebrae. The 2007 world champion has begun cycling and a low-intensity training programme and is now clearer about when he will be able to return to the Grand Prix fold. A small interview will be issued with the Belgian shortly.
Although notoriously unpredictable, the English weather forecast is surprisingly very good for the weekend with clear sunshine predicted for both days.
